The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are both true wireless Bluetooth earphones with active noise cancellation. This comparison examines their differences in everyday performance to help you choose the right pair.
Many people search for “Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra” when deciding between a budget noise cancelling earbud and a premium option. The Liberty 4 NC focuses on long battery life and strong value while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra emphasises refined ANC and immersive audio.
Table of Contents
- Specifications
- Value for Money Compared to Other Similar Earphones
- Sound Quality
- Reliability of the Brand
- What Type of User Each Earphone Would Be Ideal For
- Do the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Have Strong Active Noise Cancellation?
- What Is the Real-World Battery Life of the Liberty 4 NC?
- How Do Phone Calls Sound on the Liberty 4 NC?
- Does the Soundcore App Offer Full EQ Control for the Liberty 4 NC?
- Is the Liberty 4 NC Suitable for Workouts or Light Rain?
- Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Have Strong Active Noise Cancellation?
- What Is the Real-World Battery Life of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?
- How Do Phone Calls Sound on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?
- Does the Bose App Offer Full EQ Control for the QuietComfort Ultra?
- Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Suitable for Workouts or Light Rain?
Specifications
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC features 11mm custom-tuned drivers with Adaptive ANC 2.0. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra uses custom drivers with advanced multi-sensor adaptive ANC and Bose Immersive Audio.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC 2.0 with up to 98.5% noise reduction for the Liberty 4 NC; Premium multi-sensor adaptive ANC with Immersive Audio mode for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
- Case: Compact USB-C case with wireless charging and up to 50 hours total playback for the Liberty 4 NC; compact USB-C case with wireless charging and up to 24 hours total for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
- Bluetooth version: 5.3 with multipoint pairing for the Liberty 4 NC; 5.3 with multipoint pairing for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
- App control and EQ? Yes, full Soundcore app with HearID personalised sound, custom EQ, and presets for the Liberty 4 NC; yes, Bose app with CustomTune calibration, adjustable EQ, and Immersive Audio controls for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
- Water resistance rating: IPX4 splash and sweat protection for the Liberty 4 NC; IPX4 water resistance for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours single charge or 50 hours total for the Liberty 4 NC; up to 6 hours single charge (ANC on) or 24 hours total for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (shorter with Immersive Audio).
Both Bluetooth earphones support high-resolution codecs and include multiple microphones for calls. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra adds spatial Immersive Audio with head-tracking-like effects.
Value for Money Compared to Other Similar Earphones
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC typically sells for around $80 USD (£75 GBP) while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra often goes for about $250-300 USD (£200-280 GBP). In the noise cancelling earbuds category the Liberty 4 NC provides excellent features at a budget price while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra sits firmly in the premium segment.
The Liberty 4 NC delivers much longer battery life and full app customisation for significantly less money. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers more refined noise cancellation and immersive audio that many users consider worth the higher cost.
Both stand out among Bluetooth earphones when compared to mid-range or other premium options. Buyers often weigh battery life and value against premium ANC refinement and spatial sound quality.
This comparison video tests ANC performance, sound quality, call clarity, and daily use between the two Bluetooth earphones.
Sound Quality
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers bass-forward sound with good depth through its 11mm drivers. It supports LDAC for clearer detail on compatible Android devices and offers extensive EQ adjustments.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra produces a refined, spacious sound with strong immersion through Bose Immersive Audio and CustomTune calibration. Many listeners find it more natural and detailed than the Liberty 4 NC.
Both Bluetooth earphones allow sound customisation through their apps. The Liberty 4 NC suits those who enjoy punchy bass while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra appeals to users seeking balanced and immersive audio.
Reliability of the Brand
Anker and Soundcore have a solid reputation for durable budget Bluetooth earphones. Users report stable connections and consistent performance with the Liberty 4 NC over months of use.
Bose is known for premium build quality and reliable long-term software support. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra maintains high standards with regular updates and excellent overall durability.
The Liberty 4 NC and Bose QuietComfort Ultra both avoid common early failures seen with some lesser-known earphones. They deliver dependable daily use in their respective price ranges.
What Type of User Each Earphone Would Be Ideal For
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC suits budget-conscious users, commuters, and Android listeners who want long battery life, strong ANC, and full app customisation without spending a lot. It works well for everyday travel and extended listening sessions.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra fits travellers, audiophiles, and users who prioritise top-tier noise cancellation and immersive spatial audio. It appeals to those willing to pay more for refined performance and premium feel.
Both Bluetooth earphones serve casual listeners well. Choose the Liberty 4 NC for excellent value and battery life or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra for superior ANC refinement and immersion.
Top 5 Most Common Questions for Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Do the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Have Strong Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes, Adaptive ANC 2.0 reduces up to 98.5% of external noise and adjusts automatically to your ears and surroundings. It performs particularly well on low-frequency sounds like engine rumble.
Transparency mode passes ambient sound naturally when needed. Many users find it effective for travel and focused work.
What Is the Real-World Battery Life of the Liberty 4 NC?
The earbuds last around 10 hours per charge with ANC off or about 8-9 hours with it on. The case extends total playback to roughly 50 hours without ANC.
Quick charging adds several hours from a short top-up. Results stay close to listed figures at moderate volumes.
How Do Phone Calls Sound on the Liberty 4 NC?
Six microphones with AI processing keep voices clear on both ends in moderate background noise. Call quality holds up during walks or light activity.
Performance can pick up more wind in very loud settings. It works reliably for daily calls and meetings.
Does the Soundcore App Offer Full EQ Control for the Liberty 4 NC?
Yes, the app includes HearID personalisation along with a fully adjustable equaliser and multiple presets. You can also adjust ANC strength and touch controls.
Firmware updates continue to refine features. Setup takes just a few minutes on most phones.
Is the Liberty 4 NC Suitable for Workouts or Light Rain?
The IPX4 rating protects against sweat and light splashes during gym sessions or short runs. The fit stays secure for most activities with the right ear tips.
Comfort remains high for extended wear. Avoid heavy rain or full submersion.
Top 5 Most Common Questions for Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Do the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Have Strong Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes, the multi-sensor adaptive ANC on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is widely regarded as one of the best available. It effectively blocks a wide range of noise including voices and low-frequency rumble.
Immersive Audio mode adds spatial depth while maintaining strong isolation. Users often rate it among the top noise cancelling earbuds.
What Is the Real-World Battery Life of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?
The earbuds deliver up to 6 hours per charge with ANC on or around 4 hours with Immersive Audio active. The case extends total playback to about 24 hours.
Fast charging provides up to 2 hours from a 20-minute session. Results are consistent for daily commuting and travel.
How Do Phone Calls Sound on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?
Multiple microphones with advanced processing deliver clear voice pickup with good background noise reduction. Call quality performs well in most everyday and indoor settings.
Performance can still be affected by strong wind. It remains a strong option for phone calls among premium Bluetooth earphones.
Does the Bose App Offer Full EQ Control for the QuietComfort Ultra?
Yes, the Bose app provides CustomTune calibration, adjustable EQ, and Immersive Audio customisation. You can also control ANC modes and other features easily.
Updates continue to improve functionality. Most users find the interface comprehensive.
Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Suitable for Workouts or Light Rain?
The IPX4 rating handles sweat and light rain during workouts or outdoor use. The secure fit with stability bands stays comfortable for many activities.
Comfort supports longer sessions for most users. Avoid full submersion in water.
